We are an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the history, culture and true lives of Romani people worldwide.
We confront racism and oppression wherever we encounter it.
We try to make connections with all the "isms" that make up western culture.

VADIM KOLPAKOV

Born and raised on the banks of the river Volga in Russia, world renowned
7-string guitarist Vadim Kolpakov is one of the most prominent Romani musicians
of his generation.

Starting from an early age and inspired by a musical family, his musical
journey would take him out of his home town and eventually his home
country. Now living in North Carolina, Kolpakov has toured all over the world
with many ensembles including the famous “Kolpakov Trio.”

Arguably the pinnacle of his career so far came in 2008 when he toured with
Madonna on her “Sticky and Sweet” tour of 2008-09.

The mercurial musician had the generosity to share some of his time to
discuss all things Vadim Kolpakov, starting with where it all began.

Vadim recalled “My hometown of Saratov is
in central Russia on the river Volga. My family is still there but I have not
been back since 2009.

“Growing up in a Roma community in the city was OK in general. Just like in
Eastern Europe, we suffered from some minor discrimination, things like name
calling, but generally it was OK.”

Kolpakov continued, and explained that musical inspiration was never far away
in his childhood.

“I was raised in a family who liked to perform. My father would lay the
guitar and sing at parties while my mother would dance. Naturally, I started to
follow their lead and play the guitar, sing and dance as well. At the time,
break dancing was very popular and I was pretty good at it. Rap and hip-hop were
also gaining some popularity.”

This was only the very beginning, as his talent and curiosity to learn more
would take him to the Russian capital.

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FLAG OF THE ROMA

LOLO DIKLO : RrOMANI AGAINST RACISM

Lolo Diklo : Rromani Against Racism is an organization dedicated to providing information about the true situation of the Romani (Gypsies) in the world today. We are committed to confronting racism and oppression wherever it is found.

BACKGROUND

The Romani are a people who are not very well known. We are an ethnic group of people originally from India. We left India and arrived in Europe sometime in the 1300's. There are many theories as to why we left India. This is the work of academics, and we have some. Most Romani are more concerned about daily survival to worry about documentation of our past. We know who we are.

What is known about the Romani is, for the most part, stereotypically based. We are portrayed as romantic, carefree wonderers or child stealers, pick pockets and beggers.

Today the Romani of Europe face the same discrimination they have faced for centuries.